River, stream, or creek camping near Chico

Answer the call of the wild in Chico—your gateway to Butte County reservoirs and the Sierra Nevada.

95% (2004 reviews)
95% (2004 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Chico

99%
(875)

Maple Creek Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Cohasset, CA
The Maple Creek Ranch and Tree Farm has been family owned and operated since 1934. The patriarch of the family, whose family had moved here from Sweden, had a great love of the forest and trains. The property was one of the first certified tree farms in California with the goal of nurturing a healthy forest. In the 1960’s, a mile of railroad tracks was laid and the whistle of a small, steam engine train could be heard throughout the community. Local residents and kids were treated to free train rides and special events for many years.There is a natural spring with a small creek that supplies the ponds with fresh water year around. There is also a small canyon on the property with a larger stream called Mud Creek. The land is rich in Indian history and there a artifacts and other signs on the Indians presence.The Cohasset area is relatively unknown. 15 miles from our property is Deer Creek and the Lasson National Forest is about a 2 hour drive north.  While staying with us you can pitch your tent on our private 500 acres. We have 2  primitive camping spots on our property. Each spot has a picnic table and fire pit. There is a flush toilet shared for both camp sites. * During freezing weather the toilets may be closed so they don’t freeze! Please check before booking *The spots are spread out to ensure privacy. Our property is surrounded by the forest and is loaded with deer, squirrels, turkeys and other forest animals. We have numerous walking trails, a fresh water pond for fishing and swimming. Please notify us if you have an RV.  Site 1 is best for RV's. Site 2 can accommodate smaller RV's. We look forward to meeting you!
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$60
 / night
95%
(138)

Lake Concow Campground

99 sites · RVs, TentsOroville, CA
Ancestors of Maidu people lived here long ago. European settlers arrived and took control of the area. In recent history, a multi-cultural group of community members formed the Konkow Partnership to attempt to hold, steward, and preserve the wilderness that survives here. We look forward to your post fire visit.Learn more about this land:Congratulations Campers!  The campground is reopened after the last couple of years of wild fires and tough winters. We are reopened even as repairs and upgrades are being made. Thank you to all visitors who love this place for your patience as we continue to improve the features of the Campground. Stay tuned for progress reports. We hope to see you real soon. Visit, fish, or camp in a rare jewel forest, hidden in the Sierra/Cascade foothills, less than an hour's drive to Chico, Oroville, or Paradise. Surviving forests of mature cedars, pines, oaks, and madrones provide shady camping, fishing along the lake shore, or picnicing along the banks of the creek that runs through a recovering creekside area. Stargaze or fly kites in our Great Meadow or admire copious wildflowers and other native plants on over 80 acres of wilderness. We provide a variety of recovering wilderness areas near water faucets, pit toilets and an RV dump station. Our site features mature forests, grassy meadows, a year-round creek in a fire recovery zone. The site also features lakefront shoreline access for bank fishing, a central fire pit and lots of space for group camping. Fires are permitted in the central pit when weather allows. The Lake Concow/Konkow Campground is a wilderness sanctuary and houses many variety of rare and endangered plants, animals, and insects. Please be aware of and give respectful space to all of the residents of the park. The list of year round residents may include poison oak, thorny berry vines, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, deer, eagles, osprey, owls, squirrels, skunks, foxes, bears, mountain lions, snakes, bats, and more. Please be responsible for personal camp supplies and trash. The Campground is a Pack In/Pack Out location and garbage cans are supplied near the office house near the entrance. Good hiking shoes, protective clothing, and hats are recommended. All Campground faucets supply delicious, potable water tested regularly. The modern listings spell the name Concow, Ancestors spelled it Konkow. Both are correct, though may give different search results. There is plenty of room for parking large vehicles and for turning around. TOW VEHICLES MUST STAY THE DURATION OF THE CAMPING VISIT. Sorry, we DO NOT allow towed-in-and-dropped-off campers or 5th wheel trailers at this time. This may change as clean up work progresses through the year. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you.
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$20
 / night
98%
(2055)

Mill Creek Resort

48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Mineral, CA
Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers. Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 17 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, one featuring a vintage 70's trailer and 2015 modern RV. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered. Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.
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$35
 / night
91%
(175)

Gelmsters Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Orland, CA
My dad bought the farm in 1975 and it used to be a working dairy and sheep farm. My dad passed away while cutting our oat field on mothers day 2003, our little farm started to break down. We have recently been working on it to bring it back to life and hope to have it up and running strong again soon. Hopefully have a produce stand or garden soon to offer more options for our guests.Learn more about this land:Our farm is 3miles west of town within 10 miles to lake for fishing, boating, hiking, and even disk golf. Right off of I-5 by a Pilot travel center. Public pool 3miles(1pm-5pm, water arobics Tue and Thur 6-7pm $2, family night Tue and Thur 730-9pm June-Aug) as well as shopping and dining within 3miles. Great sunset and area to roam for a bike ride or walk in the country in our little hick town with only about 8000 population. It is very likely you will hear animals so if your a light sleeper you may want ear plugs. Chickens crow, cows bellow, and dogs bark. Driveway is rough and we are working on getting it fixed asap so please take your time coming up. There is FIELD roaches you may see soon after we irrigate, they are bigger then the nasty cockroach but harmless. The wind can be up to 30mph at times so be prepared with extra rope to tie down and secure if your in a tent also park vehicle to help block from wind and driveway. It does get up into the 100° here during summer so it would be good to have shade or plan to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day. Longer stays are best done at sites 4 and 3 further from the driveway. Quick stops just to sleep are best at 1 and 2.
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$20
 / night
96%
(403)

Sierra Sol Camp

11 sites · Lodging18 acres · Camptonville, CA
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options. Here are the sites we offer: -Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin) -Water Tower (cabin) -Daisy Belle (canvas tent) -Rise and Shine (canvas tent) -Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin) -Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer) -Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin) -Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin) -Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites) The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step. We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a mini suit to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. The diva den was my old music studio and the main cabin is our family cabin. This is a magical and sacred space filled with a ton of memories please come join our community and nook in the sierras and make some more. We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake. On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. The sauna and fenced-in dog area are near the shipping container site. The sauna has just been remodelled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house. Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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$100
 / night
99%
(182)

Hickman Family Vineyards

3 sites · Tents15 acres · Bangor, CA
Our love affair with wine began in the late 90s. We could not get enough of the wine tasting experience in our native Sonoma County. Before we knew it, Alyse was working for a small startup winery owned by Korbel. This afforded us insight and access to the production side of the wine world, and before long, we were cultivating our own ideas for a startup winery. One of the defining features of this industry is the willingness of everyone to share their knowledge. We are very appreciative of those accomplished individuals that helped us along the way.Our dream soon led us to the foothills and the former gold rush town of Bangor. This is the second time Tod has lived in Bangor. The first time was in Submarine Base Bangor, Washington. The oak studded foothills and terroir reminded us of the eastern side of Sonoma County. Affordable land and a favorable business and regulatory climate completed the package, making Bangor California our new home.We started developing the winery property in January 2002. The first acre of zinfandel was planted in the spring of 2005. We officially opened the winery doors to the public on Mother’s Day 2011. We personally do all aspects of the wine production and management with much needed and appreciated help from our children, family, and awesome wine club.
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$45
 / night
100%
(6)

Little House in the Big Woods

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Forest Ranch, CA
The cabin shares the property with our home but a large portion of the yard is maintained solely for the use of cabin guests. The space feels private with no obligation to interact with the main house residents. Enjoy cooking on the BBQ or sitting by the firepit while taking in the woodland scenery. The area features a plethora of nearby hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, and swimming. Or enjoy the simplicity of reading a book, sitting by the fire, and letting the forest share its splendor with you. This house is also only about an hour drive to beautiful Lake Almanor and the amazing gem of Lassen National Park. It is very easy to go up for a day to go boating, fishing, a hike to the hot springs and hydrothermal areas, or have a picnic. The drive between here and there is on well maintained roads and the scenery is absolutely stunning. While Chico may look a bit far away on the map, the highway gets you there in 20 short minutes. This university town is well known for its mixture of vibrance, the arts, and small town rural living. The area boasts truly amazing restaurants, bars, shopping and modern amenities. Our property is very close to access points for the famous Upper Bidwell park. We will share a guidebook full of our personal recommendations of things to do in the area.
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$99
 / night
79%
(56)

Lovey's on the Sacramento River!

6 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Meridian, CA
Welcome to Lovey's Landing on the Sacramento River! COME JOIN US ON THE RIVER Located just 5 minutes from the Sutter Basin, home to the Sutter Buttes – the smallest mountain range in the nation – Lovey's Landing is known for its exquisite sunsets and great fishing. LOVEY'S HAS HEART The people are what makes a difference. Sure, you can't beat the river for beauty & sport, and you can't resist the outdoor patio by the river — all perfect for parties and events. But really, it's the people that continue to make Lovey's a tradition — the people that work here and the people that visit. There's a home-feel about the place! Come on by for a visit. WILDLIFE PARADISE Wildlife and waterfowl are abundant here. In fact, the area is a migratory capital for ducks, geese & egrets. Farmlands are everywhere as well as orchards, ponds, marsh, creeks & sometimes winter puddles. Tall oaks, black walnuts, cottonwoods, and willows offer their timeless beauty and shade. Summer climate brings blue skies & warm daily temperatures of 85-105 degrees with cooler evenings. Color paints a pretty spring with orchard blossoms & wildflowers, and fall arrives with autumn brilliance. Winter skies fill with snow geese creating a most spectacular view. Bring your camera! FANTASTIC FISHING Can you say BIG FISH? Striped bass, sturgeon, shad, king salmon, and catfish. We've got a great set-up for fishermen. Check out the photos of some of our favorite people and their fish. TRADITION Since 1957, Lovey's has been a welcome place for people from all over to hang by the river & enjoy a casual, natural environment. You can get excited by catching a big fish or just watching one jump out of the water. Or, forget the fish & sit back, enjoy the scenic views, and chat with neighbors. Lovey's is your familiar place. You can count on it – for good times and good people!
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$38
 / night
100%
(11)

Oregon House Falls

45 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dobbins, CA
Nestled in the foothills of Western Sierra Mountains lies a piece of heaven. If you are looking for a quiet peaceful place to escape, this is your spot. Here you will find peace and quiet and the beauty of nature. Sit lakeside or Creekside and enjoy the scenery or a picnic along side one of the beautiful waterfalls. You can even grab a pole and fish in our lake. Trout are known to migrate through these waters, there has been bass and sun fish pulled from this lake as well. There is also some history here as you can hunt for one of the few grinding rocks that have been found on this land. With tons of wildlife like deer, turkeys, ducks, fish, crawdads, river otters, herons, owls, lots of song birds, and even bald eagles. This hidden gem is surrounded by many lakes rivers and even wineries . We are located 17 miles from The Yuba River, 9.2 miles to Bullards Bar (one of the tallest dames in the US) 7.2 miles to Collins lake and 3.8 miles to lake Frances not to mention tons of nearby swimming holes and creeks. You can boat, kayak, fish, swim, horseback ride, bike and hike all within a stone’s throw. The Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains are rich in history as you visit, you will find many historical landmarks. The Sierra Nevadas played a crucial role in history during the gold rush. Take a 5 min drive down the road and you will find an original stagecoach stop from back in time and pick up anything you might need for your stay from gas, food ,ice and all the essentials. They even have a deli with delicious food. The Sierras are ideal for any outdoor enthusiasts.
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$35
 / night
100%
(4)

Private Property - Ishi Wilderness

4 sites · Tents200 acres · Cohasset, CA
Experience the “wild” native culture of the Sierra Nevada foothills at this private remote property. Camp under the stars and enjoy the stunning canyon views. Discover hidden gems, swimming holes, fishing, and wild animals see the only wild horse heard on the wester slope of the Sierra Nevada's. as well as bears, ring tailed cats, ouzels, and more. View the Sacramento Valley from Mt. Diablo to Oregon, including Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. Pitch a tent on a deck with scenic view of Mt Lassen to your right and the Majestic Mt Shasta to your left. Hike to a nearby Native American Cave where the inside polished to marble from natives inhabiting the space for thousands of years and camp on the creek nearby. This is on 280 acres of private property, with base camp nearby Transportation into the canyon and hiking guides are included. any designated campsites available at the ranch, some on a raised wood deck overlooking the canyon, or you can camp in a hidden cave or by the water. You will also enjoy nature hikes and learn the rich history of the Yahi Indian tribe. The last of the Yahi people were discovered living in this remote area in 1908. Over the years, we have guided book author Richard Burrill on journeys to collect information for his book on Ishi. Our guides will tour you through this remote canyon and show you caves and areas that were used by the tribe for shelter and ceremonies. You will also learn a variety of skills such as preparing camp, building a fire from scratch (seasonally), and preparing safe drinking water. Remember this is very rugged and remote territory . Sleep under the stars and spend time outdoors learning lifelong lessons. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget. Tours are offered for all levels of adventures depending on your physical strength, condition, and type of challenge you want to experience. For more information, please visit www.butteadventures.com There is a good reason that the last documented “wild” Native American (in the lower 48) was found living here. In 1908, Ishi, the last of the Yahi people were discovered living in the Sierra Foothills northeast of Chico, CA. If you have a 4x4 you can follow us in, if not we will 4x4 you in our Adventure Vehicle. Experience the “wild” native culture of the Sierra Nevada foothills at this private remote property. Camp under the stars, enjoy stunning canyon views, and discover hidden gems, swimming holes, fishing, and wild animals. Maybe you will get lucky and see the only herd of wild horses on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. View the Sacramento Valley from Mt. Diablo to Oregon, including Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. Transportation into the canyon and hiking guides are included. There are many designated campsites available on this 280 acre private property. Camp on a raised wood deck overlooking the canyon, or in a hidden cave, near water. Enjoy nature hikes and learn the rich history of the Yahi Indians and where the last of the Yahi tribe were discovered in 1908. Over the years, we have guided archeologist and many more. Including book author Richard Burrill on journeys to collect information for his books. . Our guides will tour you through this remote canyon, and show you caves and areas that were used by the tribe for shelter and ceremonies. You will also learn a variety of skills such as preparing camp, building a fire from scratch (seasonally), and preparing safe drinking water. Remember, this is very rugged and remote territory. Hike to a nearby Native American Cave where the inside had been polished to marble from natives inhabiting the space for thousands of years. Sleep under the Galaxy of stars and spend time outdoors learning lifelong lessons. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget. Tours are offered for all levels of adventures depending on your physical strength, condition, and type of challenge you want to experience. There is a good reason the last documented “wild” Native American (in the lower 48) was found living here. In 1908, Ishi, the last of the Yahi people were discovered living in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of Chico, CA. If you have a 4x4 you can follow us in. Otherwise, transportation will be provided.
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$75
 / night

Perlatas Eucaplitus Camp

4 sites · RVs10 acres · Orland, CA
Site located close to main house divided by wooden fence. Has own private entrance. 10 acres mostly of open terrain to walk in the company of your partner or with your dog . Seasonal creek within feet of site. Many Eucaliptus trees with many bird sightings. quiet and relaxing. Can use ATV, or other quad vehicle to explore property.
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$45
 / night
Booked 2 times

Green Mountain Farm and Campground

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Oregon House, CA
Green Mountain Farm is in Dobbins ca nestled in the pines at the treeline. Surrounded by 7 lakes and several creeks and rivers recreation is always abound. Fishing, kayaking, gold panning, wake boarding even house boat rentals are all in the neighborhood. Our pet freindly facility inclide 18 gorgeous private acres with a creek, bbq's, horseshoes, kids play area, hiking trails, and free firewood. We host Rv'ers, tent campers, van lifer's, and other travelin folk. Every Friday evening is music circle and most Saturdays is bonfire (seasonal). There are wineries, resorts and museums in the area and we are rich in gold history. Come on out and get next to nature. Wildlife is know to frequent the grounds.
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$42
 / night

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River, stream, or creek camping near Chico guide

Overview

Volcanic buttes, the Sacramento River, the Sierra Nevada foothills—in Chico, scenic landscapes lie in every direction. Nestled in the fertile Sacramento Valley (the birthplace of craft breweries), it's a real California paradise. Paddling, hiking, SUP boarding, and horseback riding are never far away.

You can't miss Lake Oroville State Recreation Area—it's the second biggest reservoir in California, after all. Get ready for boating, kayaking, and world-class bass fishing. Plus, camping at Lake Oroville gives you some serious bragging rights. Imagine being rocked to sleep by the waves on a floating campsite.

Just past Orland, Black Butte Lake Recreation Area is a quieter spot to get out on the water. Here, you can enjoy fishing, water skiing, and lakeside camping beneath sweeping buttes.

Driving into the Sierra Nevada Mountains brings you to Plumas National Forest. The sprawling woods offer wilderness tent camping and cabins. You can even hike the Pacific Crest and other national trails. Want to camp by a 410-foot waterfall? Check out the forest service's Feather Falls Campground.

Believe it or not, you don't even have to venture outside Chico to find wilderness adventure. The city's Bidwell Park is one of the biggest municipal parks in the USA. Get stoked about hiking trails through canyons and bluffs, paved bike trails, and fishing on Horseshoe Lake.

Camping near Chico offers just as much variety as the landscapes that surround it. Hunker down in a foothills tent campground, relax at an RV park, or browse rolling farms where landowners invite you to pitch your tent.

Butte County is an adventurer's paradise year round. However, keep in mind the Sacramento Valley is famous for its toasty summers and cool, wet Winters. For the best camping weather, you can't beat fall or late spring.

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